FEATURE
the building’s temperature and allowing light into all each floor of the building – the perfect approach when the Co-op has opted for a flexi-working environment. One of the concerns about the old Co-op estate, including the Dantzic and Old Bank buildings, was that there was little communication between departments sat in different offices. Key to the move, therefore, was the encouragement of flexi-working at Angel Square.
Hitchmough refers in his tour of the building to the effect of modernity on rigid efficiency. Pointing out the difference between the capability of an Apple Mac 10 years ago to an iPhone today, he agrees that the person has become separated from the desk. The idea of space being for all is something that has even been encouraged in the location of the canteen. Despite it being slightly more pragmatic to keep any food operation on the ground floor (as it was in the old building), the canteen in Angel Square is on the central floor to ensure that those who perhaps work on the first floor are encouraged to explore the building.
Allowing the FM team into the process from the start has meant that it’s not just the structure of the building that has encouraged a sustainable occupancy. A move to offsite scanning and desk sharing meant the construction project was able save four floors of space and £40million in costs. Desk sharing, which is currently at 73%, also fits in with the lifecycle of the building. The Co-op foresaw the possibility that it may well downsize or move on from the site in future. The shared spaces are designed to be interchangeable and, when stripped back to their bones, account for 30,000 separate units, which can be sold on or let.
The house at One Angel Square is clearly in order. The building is almost fully occupied – another 80 members of staff are due for transfer – and this summer’s heatwave has been a rigorous baptism. Despite the heat, the building’s solar shading and heat regulating features have withstood the test, having been
14 | TOMORROW’S FM
designed with extreme temperature forecasts for 2050 factored into the long-term health of the site. It’s design elements like these that have ensured it was awarded ‘outstanding’ status by BREEAM and
is recognised as one of Europe’s most sustainable buildings.
The high school stud has set the standard. Let’s hope the next generation of new build offices are equally mature.
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